BMW Blog
Video: 2011 BMW X5 blasting around in the snow, starting at $46,675Filed under: New York Auto Show, Videos, Crossover, BMW 
2011 BMW X5 - Click above for high-res image gallery. Click here to watch video.
Yesterday we learned about the refreshed 2011 BMW X5 which goes on sale right after the New York Auto Show in April. Shortly after yesterday's announcement, BMW dropped over 150 new photos of the X5 on us, along with some video footage of one on the new models running around in the snow in Arjeplog in northern Sweden.
When the updated X5s arrive, the vehicles won't be any lighter, but the base window stickers will. The xDrive35i carries a base price of $46,675 including destination charges. That's almost $1,800 less than a 2010 xDrive30i. We're not sure if the equipment level has changed to achieve that lower price point, but any time you get a price drop it can't hurt. On the other hand, no good deed goes unpunished as the $59,275 twin-turbo V8 powered xDrive50i will cost you about $2,100 more than the starting point for the outgoing xDrive48i model.
Check out the video after the jump along with all the new pics in the gallery.
[Source: BMW]
Continue reading Video: 2011 BMW X5 blasting around in the snow, starting at $46,675 Video: 2011 BMW X5 blasting around in the snow, starting at $46,675 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 07 Feb 2010 12:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsOfficially Official: 2011 BMW X5 goes all turboFiled under: New York Auto Show, Crossover, BMW 
2011 BMW X5 - Click above for high-res image gallery
The original BMW X5 marked Bimmer's first entry into the then-burgeoning SUV segment, and it remains a strong seller for the company, trailing only the 3 and 5 Series. The time has now rolled around for the X5's mid-cycle refresh, which brings two new gas engines and some mild visual updates. The lower front fascia has been reshaped with the larger outboard air intakes inspired by the X5 M. Similarly, the rear bumper is re-sculpted and both ends get more of their bodywork painted the car's main color instead of black.
The more important changes are underhood, however, where both gasoline engines have been replaced. The base engine for the xDrive35i is now the same single turbo, 300-horsepower N55 3.0-liter inline-six finding its way into most other 2011 BMWs. Similarly, the xDrive50i gets the sweet 400-horse twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 found in the X6, 7 and 5 Series Gran Turismo. Both gas engines are paired with the new eight-speed automatic also making its way to other BMW models. The gas versions also adopt brake energy regeneration to reduce parasitic losses.
The diesel-powered xDrive35d, which only debuted just a year ago but is already accounting for about one-third of X5 sales, carries over its powertrain unchanged for 2011.
Official EPA numbers for the gas X5s won't be available until closer to their on-sale date, which follows shortly after the X5 makes its public debut at the New York Auto Show in April.
[Source: BMW]Continue reading Officially Official: 2011 BMW X5 goes all turbo Officially Official: 2011 BMW X5 goes all turbo originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 06 Feb 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsInside Line straps 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6 on the dyno, results disappointingFiled under: Hybrid, Performance, SUV, Crossover, Hatchback, BMW, Military 
2010 BMW X6 ActiveHybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery
Wait a second here, isn't it a bit antithetical to strap a hybrid vehicle on a dyno to measure it for horsepower? Well, in some instances we might be tempted to agree - though our curious side tells us it's always good to know how much power any particular automobile makes - but definitely not in the case of the 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6.
After all, BMW itself proclaims that this vehicle is the most powerful production hybrid ever offered with 480 horsepower and 575 pound-feet of torque. Claims such as this must, MUST we say, be tested. Fortunately for us, the chaps over at Inside Line happen to have a dyno at their disposal, along with the aforementioned hybrid SUV. So, how'd it fair?
Measured output at the wheels came in at 368 horsepower and 402 lb-ft of torque. Now, it's expected that all vehicles will make a good bit less power at the wheels than at the engine's flywheel, which is how they are rated from the factory. But in the instance of the X6 Hybrid, it made way less than expected given its prodigious claimed figures.
There are all sorts of explanations as to why the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 may not have made as many pound-feet as expected, and you can find some of them by reading Inside Line's summary here. Acceleration tests are promised, meaning we may get an answer about those elusive few ponies soon enough. Finally, click here to read our own impressions after driving the monster hybrid SUV last November.
[Source: Inside Line]Inside Line straps 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6 on the dyno, results disappointing originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Feb 2010 16:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsWald International takes on Rolls, Porsche, Jaguar, BMW and Infiniti... all at the same timeFiled under: Aftermarket, Sedan, Japan, BMW, Infiniti, Jaguar, Porsche, Rolls-Royce, Luxury 
Porsche Panamera with body kit by Wald International - Click above for image gallery
Tuners typically roll out one package at a time. When a big tuner show like SEMA comes around, maybe a couple at a time. But Japanese tuning firm Wald International is launching five body kits for some of the most desirable top-of-the-line luxury sedans, all at the same time.
Included in Wald's plans are aero kits for the Rolls-Royce Ghost, Porsche Panamera, Infiniti M, Jaguar XJ and BMW 7 Series. Throw in a Quattroporte, Mercedes CLS, maybe a Bentley and the Aston Martin Rapide in there and they'd have the whole kit and kaboodle covered. Not much in the way of details available as of yet on this quintet of modified luxury wheels, but from the looks of it, each has been lowered and mounted with new front fascias, side skirts and big ol' alloys. Check 'em out for yourself below.
[Source: Wald International via CarScoop]Wald International takes on Rolls, Porsche, Jaguar, BMW and Infiniti... all at the same time originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Feb 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsVideo: Jay Leno's garage takes Morgan Aero SuperSports for a spinFiled under: Convertible, Performance, Videos, BMW, Celebrities, MISC
Morgan Aero SuperSports - Click above to view the video after the jump
Who better to introduce Jay Leno to the new Morgan Aero SuperSports than company founder Harry Morgan's grandson, Charles Morgan? He stops by the garage to show Jay this latest limited edition, built to celebrate Morgan's 100 years of existence as a cottage builder of lightweight flyers. This Aero SuperSports happens to be a prototype, but it still knocks Jay's socks off.
Powered by a sweet-sounding 380-horsepower version of BMW's 4.8-liter V8, the 2,475-pound Morgan is a bit quicker than the 1932 Morgan Three-Wheeler that resides in Jay's personal collection. It's also got quite a few more safety and luxury amenities, although the trunk is just big enough for the targa roof panels or "one sport coat and a pair of slacks," as Jay puts it. The Aero SuperSports is basically a targa-topped version of the Morgan Aeromax that debuted in 2008.
When Jay takes it out for a spin he seems impressed with the performance and build quality, and points out that at $150,000-$160,000, it ain't cheap, but for a hand-built car with this level of performance you'd pay a whole lot more if it was wearing an Italian badge. If nothing else it's a great throwback to a different era of motoring, and as the last independent British automaker, Morgan has a wonderful family business heritage with mainly second-, third- and fourth-generation employees cranking out the 800 or so units they build per annum.
We saw this car up in Monterey last August and agree with Jay that less is more when it comes to sportscars. Low weight really pays dividends for performance and economy. At 60 mph the six-speed automatic transmission is turning at just 1,700 RPM, which equates to about 30 miles per gallon. Of course, it would probably be hard to keep it at a constant 60 with an exhaust note like that snarling just below your left buttcheek. Follow the jump to see the video for yourself.
[Source: Jay Leno's Garage]Continue reading Video: Jay Leno's garage takes Morgan Aero SuperSports for a spin Video: Jay Leno's garage takes Morgan Aero SuperSports for a spin originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Feb 2010 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsBMW picks Jeff Koons as artist for next Art CarFiled under: Etc., Europe, BMW 
If you're at all familiar with contemporary art, then you know that Jeff Koons is a triple, double-dog super megastar. Deeply controversial within the art world (Koons is a former stock broker that copied Andy Warhol's Factory techniques and hired an image consultant), Koons is perhaps best known for his three gold leaf sculptures of Michael Jackson and his chimp, Bubbles. Some of Koons' pieces have sold for more than $25 million - and if you ever find yourself at the Moderne Kunst in Berlin, be sure to check out the sexy sculptures of Koons and his then-wife la Cicciolina - the porn star and Italian member of parliament - doin' it.
BMW, for one, seems to have taken notice, and has asked Koons to build/style its next Art Car. As it happens, this is the 35th anniversary of the automaker's Art Car program. There aren't any details yet as to what Koons has in mind (nor even which BMW will get the treatment) but the car will be "revealed later in the year." Ironically, we've already speculated on what a Jeff Koons designed car might look and behave like. Regardless of the finished product, Koons joins a veritable who's who of contemporary modern artists that have turned out BMW Art Cars, including Andy Warhol, David Hockney, Jenny Holzer, Roy Lichtenstein, Frank Stella, Robert Rauschenberg, and Alexander Calder. Press release after the jump.
[Source: BMW | Image: Mira Oberman/AFP/Getty Images]Continue reading BMW picks Jeff Koons as artist for next Art Car BMW picks Jeff Koons as artist for next Art Car originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Feb 2010 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments2011 BMW Alpina B7 comes in two spicy, pricy flavorsFiled under: Sedan, Performance, Europe, BMW, Luxury 
2011 BMW Alpina B7 - click above for high-res image gallery
Problem: BMW will not make a M7. Despite making the M5 Wagon and the X6 M, the boys from Bavaria want no part of the Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG, S65 AMG, Audi S8, (soon) Jaguar XJR, Porsche Panamera Turbo or Bentley Flying Spur Speed market. Odd, yes, especially from the company that discovered a new segment between the 5 Series wagon and the X5. Anyhow, no M7 for you.
Solution: the Alpina B7, as its an M7 in everything but name. Some of you might want to argue the point that no way is the Alpina B7 good enough to wear a vaunted M badge. To which we say... you might have a point. So think of it as the 750CSI. Either way, this here new Alpina B7 is going to be a pretty worthy competitor to all them big, fancy super sedans up above. Here's why.
From the outside the changes include front and rear fascias and spoilers that not only set the B7 apart from lesser 7 Series but are functional. The front spoiler provides 30% more downforce while the rear tacks on an additional 15%. Not only that, but the front spoiler provides specific cooling to new transmission and oil coolers. Also impossible to miss are the 20-spoke, 21-inch Alpina wheels. Inside nearly every surface gets covered with hand-stitched "Lavalina" leather (whatever that might be) and Alpina badges. The areas not swathed in Lavalina get treated with Alcantara. There's also a heated steering wheel and illuminated blue Aplina door sills.
Of course, what's underneath matters most. Specifically the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 gets pumped up to 500 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque (as opposed to the 750i's 400 hp and 450 pounds of twist). The press release notes that all that torque is, "available across an unusually broad engine range, from 3,000 to 4,750 rpm," which is either wool-over-the-eyes PR hype, or a typo. We'll go with typo, as the regular strength 750i makes its 450 pound-feet from 1,800 to 4,500 rpm. Either way, the Alpina B7 can hit 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. And now, the kicker: the short wheelbase B7 costs $122,875 and the extended wheelbase B7 will set you back $126,775. Both prices are before the $875 destination fee. Press release after the jump.
[Source: BMW]Continue reading 2011 BMW Alpina B7 comes in two spicy, pricy flavors 2011 BMW Alpina B7 comes in two spicy, pricy flavors originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Feb 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsSauber launches a sober C29 for the 2010 F1 seasonFiled under: Motorsports, BMW, Ferrari, Racing 
2010 BMW Sauber C29 - Click above for high-res image gallery
There's no easy way to design and build a new F1 car, but the road to Valencia has been longer for the Sauber team than its competition. The team quite nearly missed the chance to race this year after BMW withdrew its support and a subsequent deal to sell the team fell through. But team founder and namesake Peter Sauber managed to get the funds together to buy his team back, and after narrowly acquiring a spot on the 2010 grid, this is the first fruit: the Sauber C29.
Technically, the team still bears the BMW Sauber moniker, but it's not the Bavarian automaker's engine under the cowling: it's Ferrari's. The name game is simply a formality. Having run Maranello's engines for years in the pre-BMW era under the Petronas brand, both Ferrari and Sauber are used to the arrangement.
Petronas is also gone, migrating to the rival Mercedes GP team (and not, as might have been assumed, to the Malaysian-backed Lotus team). As you can see, the C29 - the third car to make its debut during the Valencia test session - was unveiled with no sponsor branding whatsoever. Rumor has it that both drivers - 38-year-old veteran McLaren test driver Pedro de la Rosa and 23-year-old rookie Kamui Kobayashi (who impressed in his debut for Toyota last season) - have brought sponsorship along with them, Kobayashi in particular linked to Panasonic, which sponsored Toyota's cars until the Japanese automaker's withdrawal last season.
With BMW or without, Sauber's made the grid, but the team still has a long way to go. Have a look at the high-resolution images in the gallery below and the press release after the jump.
[Source: BMW Sauber]Continue reading Sauber launches a sober C29 for the 2010 F1 season Sauber launches a sober C29 for the 2010 F1 season originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Feb 2010 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsReport: BMW to launch two cars below 1 Series by 2014Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Europe, Hatchback, BMW, Electric  According to Auto Motor und Sport, BMW will add two new small cars to slot below the current 1 Series by 2014. One of those vehicles has already been publicly confirmed by the automaker, the Megacity, an urban commuter BMW is developing as a dedicated electric car. The powertrain technology will be an evolution of what was shown a few weeks ago in the ActiveE concept at the Detroit Auto Show.
The other vehicle is more speculative at this point, but will likely be powered by an internal combustion engine and is reportedly intended to compete with the new Audi A1 in the premium B segment. This car will probably use a range of new three cylinder engines and may even get a hybrid version. The platform is still up in the air, but BMW is reportedly developing a small front-wheel drive platform in-house or opt to purchase an existing platform from another company if the development proves too expensive.
[Source: Auto Motor und Sport]Report: BMW to launch two cars below 1 Series by 2014 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Feb 2010 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsSpy Shots: Next BMW M5 spotted braving the coldFiled under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Performance, Paris Motor Show, BMW, Luxury  The phrase "new BMW M5" has always found the words "immense anticipation" lurking somewhere close by, and this latest version maintains that union. An HGH-injected iteration of the 5 Series was spotted apparently testing its traction control in some northern land of frosted flakes, wearing a very subtle look.
As outlined by CAR recently, the M-fünf is expected to pump out 570 horsepower through a direct-injected, twin-turbo V8. Auto Express suggests that the changes to the car will be less extensive than in previous editions. Still, this prototype is probably still missing a few of the burly bits we can expect to see on the final car, which should show its face at the Paris Motor Show later this year.
[Source: Auto Express]Spy Shots: Next BMW M5 spotted braving the cold originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Feb 2010 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsBMW announces pricing for 2011 range, 3 Series MSRP unchangedFiled under: Convertible, Coupe, Hybrid, Sedan, Performance, Crossover, BMW, Luxury 
2011 BMW 3 Series - Click above for high-res image gallery
This either proves the point that BMWs are expensive enough for now or the company is trying to aggressively hold the line on pricing for existing models. 2011 pricing and equipment for the complete BMW North American model range has been released, and the company is adding a revised Value Package and keeping prices the same. New models, such as the 2011 5 Series with which we scooted about in Portugal, will see some attendant bottom-line juggling, but the base MSRP for your dream 3 Series remains the same, even if you choose the updated coupe and convertible models.
The biggest news is that the single-turbo N55 is muscling the twin-huffer N54 out of some Bayerische engine bays. 135s, 335s, 535s, the 535i Gran Turismo and X6 xDrive35i all get the new single-turbo N55 between the fenders. The N54 still appears in the Z4, new 335is and the 740i, as well as some others.
There's new package deals going on as well. 1 and 3 Series vehicles get a new Value Package, building on the popularity of the no-cost iPod interface and leather seat upgrade BMW has been offering. The 335 model misses out, however, as this is a 128-, 135- or 328-only affair. Don't fret, as there's a new Convenience Package, too. Costing between $1,000 and $2,350, the Convenience Package is different depending on the car, but it's again a 1 and 3 Series upgrade. The package includes an alarm system, Comfort Access, some flavor of PDC, sunshades and, sometimes, xenon headlamps. There's a press release as long as your arm detailing the panoply of infinitesimal and near-monumental changes among the 2011 BMW lineup available for your perusal after the jump.
[Source: BMW]Continue reading BMW announces pricing for 2011 range, 3 Series MSRP unchanged BMW announces pricing for 2011 range, 3 Series MSRP unchanged originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Jan 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsReport: 2013 BMW Vision EfficientDynamics supercar moving toward productionFiled under: Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, BMW, Rumormill, Electric, Diesel 
BMW Vision Efficient Dynamics Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery
According to an unnamed "senior BMW authority out of Munich" speaking with InsideLine, the German automaker will indeed build a production version of the Vision EfficientDynamics concept that debuted last year at the Frankfurt Motor Show. BMW is reportedly planning for a model run of between 5,000 and 10,000 units in 2013. We'll get to the details in a moment, but here's the best news: "That name that the marketing people forced on us [is] going to change for sure." Phew.
Apparently, BMW has no plans to ditch the radical plug-in hybrid powertrain, which put out 356 horsepower and a stonkin' 590 pound-feet of torque in the concept. That means we'll get something similar to the turbocharged three-cylinder diesel range extender and twin electric motors powered by a lithium polymer battery pack that was featured in Frankfurt. Sounds great so far, and BMW claims the performance will be even better than the 4.8-second 0 to 60 run quoted for the concept.
Naturally, some of the Vision's more outlandish exterior bits will go the way of the Dodo, but IL reports BMW's target of weight is still under 3,000 pounds, meaning that high-tech composites and construction techniques are a veritable lock. Price for this next-gen eco-friendly supercar? Nothing announced - but if you have to ask... well, you know the rest.
[Source: Inside Line]Report: 2013 BMW Vision EfficientDynamics supercar moving toward production originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Jan 2010 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsReview: Need For Speed Shift fills gap between Forza 3 and GT5Filed under: Aston Martin, Audi, BMW, Bugatti, Chevrolet, Dodge, Mercedes-Benz, Koenigsegg 
Need For Speed Shift - Click above for high-res image gallery
Fall 2009 was supposed to be the next golden age of the racing game, with the genre's two heavy hitters - Forza Motorsport 3 and Gran Turismo 5 - scheduled for release. While Xbox 360 owners were rewarded with an incredibly good Forza 3, several delays of GT5 wrecked the plans of many a Playstation 3 owner, this writer included.
But since we were hell-bent on a new racing game, the decision was made to take a chance on another new racing game that was receiving some good press: Need for Speed Shift. We've spent the last two months playing Shift on PS3 to keep ourselves busy until GT5 is finally released. Were we disappointed or pleasantly surprised with the dark horse of the racing game pack? Hit the jump to find out.
Continue reading Review: Need For Speed Shift fills gap between Forza 3 and GT5 Review: Need For Speed Shift fills gap between Forza 3 and GT5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Jan 2010 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsFirst Drive: 2011 BMW 335is - Munich finally builds a special one for U.S.Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, BMW 
2011 BMW 335is - Click above for high-res image gallery
It's fair to say that few automobiles have ridden atop their segment for as long as the BMW 3 Series has managed. Admittedly, there have been occasional frights from other German automakers or the odd Asian upstart, but it's as if Munich's engineers long ago brokered some sweetheart deal with the devil, so total has been the range's dominance. All of which has made it particularly tough for U.S. enthusiasts, as we've seen seemingly dozens of tempting higher performance specials and intriguingly efficient offerings pop up over in Europe and elsewhere, yet these models never seem to make their way into U.S. showrooms. Forgive us, then, for being slightly giddy at the prospect of this 335is, the first North American exclusive 3 Series in, well... eons.
Based on the freshly facelifted sixth-generation 3 Series, the 2011 335is will be available in both coupe and folding hardtop convertible forms beginning this spring - but we just couldn't wait that long to get behind the wheel. Thankfully, BMW was kind enough to slip us the keys to a pre-production example on Portugal's Estoril raceway as a dessert course of sorts at the launch of their new 5 Series sedan. Follow the jump to read our full slate of impressions.
Photos by Chris Paukert / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc. / BMW
Continue reading First Drive: 2011 BMW 335is - Munich finally builds a special one for U.S. First Drive: 2011 BMW 335is - Munich finally builds a special one for U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Jan 2010 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsReport: 2011 BMW X6 getting single turbo N55, eight-speed automaticFiled under: Crossover, BMW, Rumormill 
2009 BMW X6 - Click above for high-res image gallery
BMW has officially announced changes for its 2011 BMW X6, and the big news is that the German automaker will swap out its twin-turbo N54 inline-six in this sport utility for the new twin-scroll single turbo N55 mill, just like it did in the new 5 Series. The move continues BMW's drive toward simplifying its engine options while at the same time providing X6 owners with stronger acceleration and increased efficiency. BMW claims the N55 matches the twin-scroll N54's power numbers while also cutting weight from the engine bay. And since this bubbly crossover weighs in at a rotund 4,900 pounds, we're thinking every pound lost is a good thing.
The twin-scroll inline-six will produce 306 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque in the X6, six more ponies and five fewer lb-ft than the outgoing twin turbo model. Both the X6 35i and X6 50i will also receive ZF's eight speed automatic transmission for the 2011 model year. The eight forward gears will even further improve efficiency while also deliver smoother shifts.
[Source: BMW]Report: 2011 BMW X6 getting single turbo N55, eight-speed automatic originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Jan 2010 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsShiver Me Timbers: G-Power launches BMW X5 Typhoon "Black Pearl"Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, SUV, Crossover, BMW 
G-Power Typhoon "Black Pearl" BMW X5 - Click above for high-res image gallery
Remember when SUVs were actually designed to go off road? Nah, we don't either. Who are we kidding? That was long before BMW got into the game, and where there's a Bimmer, there's a tuner. G-Power is relatively new to the game that the likes of Dinan, AC Schnitzer, et al have been playing for decades, but the tuning house is wasting no time making up lost ground. It's already taken on the M5, M6 and Z4, to name just a few. And though these performance freaks have already taken a stab at the X5, they've come back around for another try.
Called the Typhoon Black Pearl, G-Power's latest employs a SK III RS supercharger - along with new intake, exhaust, pistons, injectors and ECU - bolted to the 4.8-liter V8 to bring output up to 625 horsepower. That's good for a run to 100 kilometers per hour (62 mph) in 4.5 seconds and a top end in excess of 300 km/h (186 mph). Which strikes us as faster than a sport-ute should go, but G-Power hasn't stopped there.
To compliment the bonkers performance, G-Power has fitted a new aero kit (complete with new front fascia, hood, wider fenders, diffuser, spoiler and side skirts) and 23-inch alloys. The price tag? A whopping €295,000 (~$415k). Details in the press release after the jump, photos in the gallery below.
[Source: G-Power]Continue reading Shiver Me Timbers: G-Power launches BMW X5 Typhoon "Black Pearl" Shiver Me Timbers: G-Power launches BMW X5 Typhoon "Black Pearl" originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Jan 2010 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsAutoblog Podcast #163 - Paukert Re-ReduxFiled under: Podcasts, Hybrid, Government/Legal, Plants/Manufacturing, Audi, BMW, Ford, GM, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Saab, Toyota, Spyker, Rumormill 
Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!
Episode #163 of the Autoblog Podcast is here and Chris Paukert once again adds his insight as he's fast becoming the fourth regular member of the crew. First up we peek into the Autoblog Garage, occupied this week by a Nissan Versa, Audi S4, and a Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid. Topics follow, with our first drive of the 2011 BMW 5 Series starting us off before we move on to Ed Whitacre's new status as official General Motors CEO and get all misty about the uncertain fortunes of Saab (glad that's been cleared up.) Toyota's most recent recall for its throttle issue, the 2011 BMW 335is, and rumors of a 50th anniversary edition Ford Mustang with independent rear suspension finish us off before we take some questions and call it a night.
Until next week, hit up Joystiq and Engadget - there's going to be big Apple Tablet news soon! Let us know what you think of our podcast by dropping us an email at Podcast at Autoblog dot com, reviewing the show in iTunes, filling out our survey, or even leaving us a voicemail on our Google Voice line 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763). Thanks for listening!Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #163 - Paukert Re-Redux Autoblog Podcast #163 - Paukert Re-Redux originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Jan 2010 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Read | Permalink | Email this | CommentsFirst Drive: 2011 BMW 5 Series is a smooth operatorFiled under: Sedan, BMW, First Drive, Luxury 
2011 BMW 5 Series - Click above for high-res image gallery
The outgoing BMW 5 Series may have ushered in a dramatic leap forward in terms of dynamics, technology, safety and creature comforts, but it's the previous generation - the E39 - that Bimmerphiles still speak of in hushed tones. The departing E60 may have been a more capable package, but it was also the source of much controversy and hand wringing. Blame Chris Bangle. Blame byzantine iDrive menu structures. Blame spirit-muffling layers of electronics. Hell, blame improved competition or hidebound brand loyalists who refuse to accept the new. No matter whose camp you point the finger at, the 2004-2010 5 Series was a polarizing creature, both aesthetically and from behind the wheel. Despite (or perhaps because of) all this, BMW enjoyed record-setting global sales of the Fiver, suggesting that that the traditionalists had it all wrong.
Still, one look at the new-for-2011 F10 model might reasonably lead you to believe that a bit of mulligan has occurred at the hand of Adrian van Hooydonk and his design team - a toning down of the E60's most divisive elements. To be sure, the E60's Dame Edna spectacles have been consigned to a dusty drawer and the raised "Bangle Butt" has kept its date with Celebrity Fit Club. In the not-so-dearly departed's place is a handsome new sedan that appears simultaneously more in line with the 5 Series' lineage yet firmly set on the future. But to label the sixth-generation Fiver as an aesthetic or strategic regression would be incorrect, van Hooydonk tells us. As he points out, BMW design has a tendency to periodically muscle in with big, bold, design statements - to knock down walls - and in the follow-up model, its stylists can move about a bit more in the clean air made possible by its predecessor. Fair enough - we prepared to check our Weltschmerz at the door and give this new Fiver a shot. Has it all been worked out for the better? BMW invited us to hop a couple of planes to Portugal in order to find out.
Photos by Chris Paukert / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.Continue reading First Drive: 2011 BMW 5 Series is a smooth operator First Drive: 2011 BMW 5 Series is a smooth operator originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Jan 2010 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsOfficially Official: 2011 BMW 335is [w/video]Filed under: New York Auto Show, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, BMW 
2011 BMW 335is - Click above for high-res image gallery. Follow the jump to watch video.
Well, you all knew it was coming, so Bimmer made it official: Yes, there is a 2011 BMW 335is, and it'll make its formal debut at the New York Auto Show in late March. The 335is will be available in either coupe (base MSRP $50,525) or convertible (base MSRP $59,075 - ouch!) body styles.
Power is boosted to 320 horses and 332 lb-ft of torque (versus 300 hp/300 lb-ft in the regular 335i) for the reprogrammed N54 twin-turbo I-6, which also benefits from an upgraded cooling system and exhales via a sport exhaust for added audible snarl. BMW also says that the 335is torque number can be temporarily overboosted to 370 lb-ft under certain conditions. A six-speed manual is standard, with the seven-speed DCT available as the optional transmission.
Visually, the BMW 335is is distinguishable by its altered front fascia, which features larger intake openings, and an integrated rear diffuser. On top of that, the car is sprinkled with goodies from BMW's M Sport catalog inside and out. If the standard 335i isn't enough for you, and the M3 is too much (as if there is such a thing), perhaps the 335is is just the right fix for your performance jones. We're looking forward to finding out ourselves once the car arrives in showrooms this spring.
Check out the high-res images of the car on-track at Estoril below, and follow the jump for video of it in action (plus BMW's customarily lengthy press release).
[Source: BMW]Continue reading Officially Official: 2011 BMW 335is [w/video] Officially Official: 2011 BMW 335is [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 23 Jan 2010 11:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | CommentsBMW dealer's billboard scaring motorists into 911 calls [w/video]Filed under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Videos, BMW, Humor 
There's a David Lee Roth era Van Halen song in here somehere - Click above to watch the video
Bridgeport BMW in Bridgeport, Connecticut decided to go with an outside-the-box kind of billboard to advertise it take home test drive program. Perched on top of the big billboard is a man and a big teddy bear. Of course, if you take a close look you'll see it's a mannequin and a big teddy bear. This fact did not stop passing motorists from calling 911 concerned that either the man or his bear would fall off the top of the billboard, or that they would jump. No really, they were concerned about the teddy bear, too. Make the jump to watch the video. Tip of the nighttime stocking cap to Jeff!
[Source: YouTube via Huffington Post]Continue reading BMW dealer's billboard scaring motorists into 911 calls [w/video] BMW dealer's billboard scaring motorists into 911 calls [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Jan 2010 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments
|
BMW blog
BMW History
M1
Gallery
Latest BMW News
BMW Tuning
Oz Free Car blogs
Best blog for car tips
Streetcars
At the wheels - my car blog
Theft Proof: Lockable Valve Caps
BMW Cars |
_thumbnail.jpg)
_thumbnail.jpg)
_thumbnail.jpg)
_thumbnail.jpg)
